About ValueCentric UX
"Many teams struggle with uncertainty, unclear processes, or a missing user focus and UX.
ValueCentric UX exists to turn these challenges into clarity and confident decisions."
Read more about me:
Who I am
I’m Malte Sönksen (or Soenksen, but just call me 'Malte'), UX researcher and organizational consultant with more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of people, products, and organizations. My background in psychology and technology helps me connect human, business, and technical perspectives in a way that makes collaboration more effective. My work spans specifically qualitative research (with some quantitative methods as well), mentoring and training, team development, and strategic process consulting. I bring clarity, empathy, and organizational insight that allow me to translate complexity into clear, actionable guidance.
I believe in work that is both meaningful and responsible – helping people grow, supporting teams to thrive, and enabling organizations to act with integrity. At the core is creating clarity where there is confusion, building trust where perspectives collide, and giving people the confidence to move forward even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Over the years, I’ve worked with organizations across many fields – from technology and mobility to education, commercial products, and complex software systems. These experiences taught me how to bridge perspectives, strengthen collaboration across roles, and bring clarity when contexts are uncertain.
I’ve led research teams, supported both corporates and startups, and focused on building research practices that are consistent, sustainable, and impactful. Clients and colleagues value that I combine methodological rigor with pragmatism—delivering insights that are not only valid but directly usable.
What problems I help solve
Many teams run into the same challenges:
-
Lack of clarity – tangled processes, unclear roles, or endless debates with no decisions.
-
Knowledge silos – insights scattered across teams, making it hard to see the bigger picture or build on each other’s work.
-
Uncertainty – not knowing what users really need, or how to move forward when priorities collide.
-
Inconsistent methods – research and design practices applied unevenly, leading to confusion and lower quality.
-
Capability gaps – UX professionals without enough sparring, or product teams without established research practices.
-
Team tensions – talented people struggling to work together effectively, often without psychological safety or a healthy feedback culture.
-
Missing strategy – UX shows up in slide decks but struggles to shape everyday decisions and processes.
-
Resource constraints – too little time, too few people, or missing skills to run research at the needed level.
That’s where ValueCentric UX comes in. I bring clarity where others get stuck, and structure where things feel chaotic. I help you to make grounded decisions and move forward with confidence – even when the way ahead is uncertain.
And if you’re just starting out or taking your first steps with UX, I’ll make sure support stays practical and accessible for you.
What I do
Sparring & mentoring – focused 1:1 or small-group sessions that give product people, researchers, or product trios a safe space to reflect, grow, and sharpen their practice.
Team development & training – workshops and practice-oriented learning that strengthen collaboration, build consistency, and raise the quality of day-to-day work.
Defining clear processes and reliable practices – turning good intentions into consistent, repeatable results so teams can reduce friction and collaborate smoothly, even under pressure.
UX Research & advisory – designing and running studies that cut through uncertainty, provide clear evidence, and give teams decision-readiness when priorities collide.
Strategic & organizational consulting – helping leaders and teams embed user-centered thinking into strategy, align roles and responsibilities, and shape cultures where UX is not just practiced but truly anchored.
Values guiding my work
Empathy
Listening deeply, building trust, seeing the human side.
Learn more about how I live empathy
I see the person first and create spaces where growth, connection, and mutual support can thrive.As a mentor, researcher, or manager, I meet others with attentiveness, respect, and a genuine willingness to help.
What drives me is the belief that making the world a better place starts with each individual interaction.
Excellence
Structure, clarity, and quality in process and outcomes.
Learn more about how I live excellence
I create real value through structure, clarity, and a determination to make things better.I hold myself to high standards of quality, effectiveness, and results—both in thinking and in action. For me, processes are not just about running smoothly; they must make sense and deliver tangible benefits for people, products, and organizations.
What drives me is the pursuit of meaningful improvements and outcomes that truly matter.
Integrity
Transparent, responsible, reflective collaboration.
Learn more about how I live integrity
I act consciously, responsibly, and transparently—toward myself, my clients, and society.I place great value on authenticity, reflection, reliability, and sincerity. For me, integrity means approaching things thoroughly, honestly, and with care—not only on a professional level but also on a human and ethical one.
What drives me is staying true to my values, even when the path is challenging.
Who I don’t work with
I choose not to collaborate with industries or organizations whose values fundamentally conflict with mine. This includes businesses connected to weapons, tobacco, alcohol, or animal exploitation, as well as any organizations that act in a discriminatory or harmful way.
My work is grounded in integrity and respect for people, society, and the environment – and I partner only with those who share that foundation.
What others say
Former colleagues and clients describe me as reliable, analytical, and constructive. They highlight my ability to create psychological safety, to explain complex matters clearly, and to bring calm structure into challenging situations. They also value my empathy, fairness, and supportive way of working.
From reference letters:
-
“He consistently demonstrated excellent commitment and initiative, applied his outstanding knowledge effectively, even in difficult situations.”
-
“His empathic presence, team orientation and careful, independent working style were a positive enrichment for the team.”
-
“He was proactive, self-reliant, and carried out his duties with the utmost care and precision.”
-
“Clients valued him as a courteous, professional and reliable partner.”
These voices are drawn from professional references and highlight how colleagues and clients have experienced working with me. As ValueCentric UX grows, I will add client testimonials here.
Beyond work
Beyond my professional work, I care deeply about topics like healthy sleep, self-organization and work-life balance, vegan nutrition, and dog training. These passions reflect my values of empathy, structure, and responsibility – and they often inspire how I think about people and organizations as well.